Describe your creative process:

I start with thinking of the big picture. Who is going to see my content, what does it need to say, where is it going, and why would someone relish it… Boom! I have my goals, and I ultimately want my work to not only represent myself well but to express all wishes of the client. Of course, my creative process is far from perfect and definitely messy, but that is what White Out is for!

What was Your most unforgettable Méldeen experience?

The morning of our Austin event, Kaleigh and I managed to fit “Méldeen” letter balloons in her tiny, (but darling) mini cooper. We were so impressed that we didn’t lose any of the balloons! Yet, when walking them into the hotel, we slowly watched the “L” float up into the trees. Thank goodness the number “7” balloon at Party City was a close match!

What do you love most about Austin?

The constant buzz! Where else can you find live music, South Congress bridge bats, and people who claim they “work” running around Town Lake at 1 PM? I’m in love. The drive that people have is inspiring and contagious.

What, in your words, is the vision of Méldeen?

Méldeen strives to deliver an exceptional experience throughout every aspect of the bride and grooms’ wedding plans. Creating your invitations, from save-the-dates to post wedding essentials, while connecting ideas and taste is vital. Méldeen’s mantra? Handmade means luxury.

If you had a list of “Best Kept Secrets”, which would you include?

Always check the guest list twice, press “Command S” to save workboards as often as you can, and always have a note pad ready for ideas. Oh, and don’t get a manicure until after assembly days.

Xx,

Meredith

Many couples find celebrating with their nearest and dearest with a divine meal, and a quaint celebration is the best way to revel in their wedding day without feeling the stress of a large gathering – Because Going small has it’s perks! One of our favorite spaces in Austin is the Hotel St. Cecillia. The moment you walk on their grounds, the smell of incense and the soft sounds of a record player are a welcoming and warm. The large oak trees make you feel right at home. Although we would like to keep this location our own personal secret, it sure can’t be hidden! We have asked the special Events coordinator, Emily WaldmaNn to share what she feels is the beauty & benefits of a small event.

An “intimate” wedding can mean anything from 6 guests, to 60, depending on a variety of factors, especially if both the bride and groom come from large families. Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, and it can feel like you want to include the world (and their plus one) in the festivities, however I am a huge advocate for small weddings.

When the guest count is smaller, you have more time to focus on individualizing the experience for each special person who makes the cut with an invite. You are also less likely to offend those who you may not want to invite—a distant cousin is less likely to take it personally if your guest list is limited to 20, whereas if you invite 200, they may feel snubbed. This leaves more space in budget to focus on the quality of the experience, whether that is an amazing personalized menu created specifically for your guests, beautiful floral arrangements with garden roses abounding, or your favorite band playing acoustically for your first dance as man and wife. Whatever makes you two click as a couple, you have more room to focus on conveying that to your guests.

There will no doubt be amazing food, beautiful flowers and décor, and entertainment abounding, but I always try and remind clients of who the two most important invitees are: The Bride and Groom (and the photographer to capture it all). As guest counts swell, weddings can start to feel more like a production, and less like a celebration of love. Ultimately the day is about you two, and everything else is meant to enhance that special connection.

Because Austin is the live music capital of the world, I liken the experience to a show: of course it’s amazing to see your favorite act at ACL Main Stage with a screaming crowd and pyrotechnics, but years from now, it’s seeing them play an unexpected secret show up close and personal at the Continental Club that will still have you talking.

When you plan a wedding, you are creating an experience for your guests. From invitation to thank you cards, you are making a statement as a couple for what you value and what represents you.

This week, we are thrilled to have a guest post from one of our treasured summer interns. She has blossomed into an amazing designer, landed an amazing job post-college, and is an amazing budding calligrapher. We wanted to share her insight on Calligraphy, and its value to wedding invites. Follow her scribbles on instagram! Love and miss you Erin!

Up until very recently, I only had the foggiest idea as to what calligraphy actually was. However, thanks to life altering sites like Pinterest and Instagram, I discovered modern calligraphy and hand lettering and was immediately hooked. I happily embarked on a new obsession/hobby with no looking back.

Now when I think of calligraphy, the first word that comes to mind is “human.” We live in such a digital world, where everything is cookie cutter and mass produced. Personal communication and handwritten notes are a thing of the past, and it’s rare to come across something as intimate as a handwritten note. Calligraphy is an art form with roots that spans centuries of personal communication, and I love being a small part of keeping it alive.

Far from being limited to stodgy old documents and certificates, calligraphy is incredibly versatile and there are endless variations and possibilities! One can distinctly set a particular mood or create a desired style using just a few carefully placed lines. The personality of a bride and the essence her special day can shine through this beautiful art form, whether vintage or romantic, classic or modern. With a trained hand, the shapes of the letters themselves come together to tell a story just as clear as the words they form.

Weddings are fundamentally about people, two people making a lifelong commitment to each other. This is why calligraphy is the perfect medium for communicating in a heartfelt and personal way, the joyful celebration of a new future of two individuals, built on beautiful traditions of the past.

The second we saw these beauties around Austin we knew they were going to be a huge hit not only for our personal accessories, but for wedding day jewelry, bachelorette weekends, and just plain fun for date night! We have asked them to share some of their favorites, and how you can incorporate them everyday of the year!

Perhaps you’ve seen Flash Tattoos – the original innovative jewelry inspired metallic temporary tattoos – on your fave fashionistas this summer at the beach, pool, parties, festivals, or anywhere you and your skin might be seen having fun. Well, we have one more occasion that is perfect for getting Flashy: bachelorette parties! If you’re looking to add a dash of Flash for a Bachelorette party, here are a few of our favorite styles that are perfect for celebrating a bride’s upcoming nuptials with!

If you’re celebrating with a girl’s night out on the town…check out Nikki, a sexy mix of edgy designs that will shine on the dance floor. Channel Rihanna and show your wild side with theChild of Wild pack, full of cool boho designs that will look amazing peeking out from crop tops and sassy dresses.

If you’re celebrating with a relaxing spa session…go for a classic style like Lena, Chloe, orJosephine. These elegant and sophisticated styles are perfect for rest, relaxation, lounging around the spa, and getting pampered like a princess.

If you’re celebrating with poolside with drinks and girl talk…you’ll love the tropical-inspired collections by Goldfish Kiss blogger Rebekah Steen. The beachy designs in the Goldfish Kissand Goldfish Kiss H20 packs are made for salt-water loving gals. Plus, those friendship bracelets in the H20 set are perfect to share with your bride-to-be BFF.

If you’re celebrating with a luxurious weekend girls getaway…you’ll adore the Sheebani, Zahra and Sofia collections. They’re just the right mix of free-spirited designs and blingy baubles to embody a jet-set lifestyle. They are stylin’ with anything from a bikini to a little black dress. Not to mention they would be fab for the honeymoon too!

The Do’s and Don’ts When Writing Your Next Toast

Whether this is your first time being the Maid of Honor or you’re an old-timer, giving a killer speech can be nerve racking and challenging. At most weddings, the best man claims the “unforgettable speech of the night” while the Maid of Honorrgives a sweet and standard toast to close up. Here are the do’s and don’ts to make your toast just as heart-warming and energetic when raising your glass to the happy couple.

DO

Set the scene with a little background on your relationship. Imply that the day’s event marks a break of sorts.

DOn’T

Tell stories that dredge up childhood memories of hilarious times you shared with the bride or groom that nobody else in the room knows about or cares about.

DO

Insert comic relief with a light ribbing. (Key word: light)

DON’T

No need to freak if your joke tanks. Encourage a sympathy laugh by saying, “That was supposed to be funny,” no one wants you to feel uncomfortable!

DO

Your speech needs to be about the friend you knew long before the groom, and then pivot to what role the groom has played in your friend’s life. Keep it simple, start with the bride and end with the couple.

DON’T

Bring in Ex-Boyfriends (yours or theirs.) Save the funny stories for your next girls night.

DO

Wrap it up, ditch the generic praise, and raise your glass to the happy couple.

DON’T

While we usually need liquid courage, make sure not to over do it. Think twice before you clink!

If you are newly engaged, you are probably concerned with the way you present your wedding, from your engagement to the the thank you notes as newlyweds – making sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Planning a wedding is exciting, but it is filled with emotion and plenty of decision making – none of which are right or wrong.

Etiquette has evolved, and the line between formality and personality can be blurred now more than ever. We believe in traditional sentimental details, and warm family traditions — but we do live in a new time where brides can express themselves without all the rules from previous generations.

Here at Méldeen, we will help you stick to what is important, and voice what is comfortable to you. We realize each couple is unique and each situation is different. If you use common sense, and go with your gut, you won’t regret a thing. Ultimately, this is a day to celebrate the love you have for each other and christen the new adventure you are starting together!

Just as no couples are alike, neither should any wedding stationery. That’s why we do what we do! We create something that reflects you, your unique style, and bring the things that are important to you to your guests attention. Show the information that is important to you, and don’t worry about what you leave out. After all, this is one of the most special correspondences you will ever send. The stationery should tangibly represent your wedding day, and all the work leading up to it.

Pick all the elements you want to see in your wedding suite- like RSVP envelope, additional insert cards, double envelopes, and liners. No pressure if you decide that investing in some of these elements is not important to you!

Now what should it say?

Composing your wedding invitation

Etiquette should never be adhered to at the cost of relationships. These are just guidelines, but do what feels most comfortable for those mentioned on this special stationery.

First, let’s learn a little and talk about the each line!

HOST LINE(s):

Traditionally, the host line lists the parents, or the couple. This line is reserved for the people hosting or funding the wedding. These days, many brides use this line to honor a family involved, acknowledging who is contributing financially and/or emotionally for their wedding.

If you are personally funding the wedding, there is nothing wrong with listing your names as the hosts. Many couples add “along with their families” to acknowledge the emotional support of their parents or to be respectfully vague about a complicated family or financial situation.

For middle names, you can choose to use them, use an initial, or omit. This is strictly personal preference.

Most traditional for married parents of the bride:
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jacob Williams

If divorced or separated, the woman’s name always comes first, and the names appear on two lines – Omit the word “and”. The use of the word links the names together as married.
Ms. Mary Williams
Mr. Daniel Williams

For parents that are divorced and one or both has remarried, you may list both sets, or you may choose to just list your biological parents only like shown above but with “Mrs.” for the woman.
Ms. Mary Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Williams
or
Mrs. Mary Jacobsen and Mr. John Jacobson
Mr. Daniel Williams
or
Ms. Mary Jacobsen and Mr. John Jacobson
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Williams

To list groom’s family, you can list them under the bride’s parent’s names or below the groom himself – if divorced same rules as above applies:
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jacob Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Baily
request the honor of your presence
or
Groom Name
son of
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Baily
Date

For parents who are doctors:
If both are: The Doctors Williams
If Father is: Doctor and Mrs. Daniel Williams
If the Mother is: Doctor Mary Williams and Mr. Daniel Williams

For mothers who have kept their maiden name, she should appear on the first like with the word “and” linking them to the father.
Mrs. Mary Johnson and Mr. Daniel Williams

Ministers are referred to as:
The Revered and Mrs. Daniel Williams
or
The Reverend Mary Williams and Mr. Daniel Williams

Other titles:

Military titles can be listed but not abbreviated

Ph.D. titles are only used in academic settings.

Listing Judges as “The Honorable” can come across presumptuous, unless you know that is their preferred “title” over “Mr.” or “Judge”.

REQUEST LINE(s):

For weddings held in a church, you use the word “honour”
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
or
the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of

For weddings held outside of a place of worship, it typically reads:
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
or
the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of

COUPLES NAMES :

Traditionally:
Brides First & Middle, no Last Name
to
Mr. Grooms Full Name

More current:
Brides First Middle Last
to
Grooms First Middle Last

It is also okay to omit one or both of the middle names.

You will also want to list titles if applies, with no abbreviation:

Doctor

Junior, II, III, etc. You can use, or omit the comma before it

Military Titles (if prefer)

DATE LINE:

The day of the week, the month and the year are all spelled out.
Numbers are used for more casual and quirky designs.
Saturday, the twenty-fifth of June
Two thousand and fifteen
or
Saturday, June 25, 2014

TIME LINE:

You can list time simply as “four o’clock” or as formal as “four o’clock in the afternoon”
Just like the time, numbers can be used for more casual and quirky invites.
4:00

LOCATION:

The location lists the place, address, and city & state. No zip code.
Cities of New York City and Washington D.C are exceptions, and are simply listed with no state: New York and Washington, District of Columbia
If the location is held in someones home, it is listed as the “The Daniel’s Residence”

When the reception is held at the same place, you can smile have “reception to follow” – otherwise, you will list the reception to follow along with “location”, “address, city and state”.

ATTIRE:

Additional blog post coming soon!

QUICK VISUALS

From the Brides Parents
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Williams
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
Saturday the 15th of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

From the Brides divorced Parents
Mrs. Mary Williams
Mr. Daniel Williams
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

Acknowledgment of Both Parents
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Williams
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
son of
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Bailey
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

Both Sets host:
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Bailey
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

Couple Hosts
The honor of your presence is requested
at the marriage of
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
or
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage

Both sets of parents are divorced:
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Williams
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
son of
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Bailey
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

or

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Henry Bailey
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Jillian Elizabeth Williams
to
James Carter Bailey
Saturday, the fifteenth of June
Two thousand fifteen
Seven o’clock in the evening
The Haley Vineyards
12345 Peach Tree Trail
Austin, Texas

If you have questions, or would like to know more about religious, military or cultural etiquette, please get in touch info@meldeen.com